I was the first to review David and Anna Jewell’s gem of a restaurant when it opened last November 2008 in Australian fusion cuisine comes to Vaud: Cookie! David and Anna were so thrilled that they sent a copy of the review back home to all their friends and family in Australia.

I discovered this restaurant 2 days after it opened and have followed its evolution with both astonishment and delight. Since November 2008, when it was a small chalet bar converted into a cozy but contemporary restaurant with a beautiful view, things have come a long way, and for the better.

David Jewell is never lacking in ideas, and he’s not afraid to tackle any project hands-on to make his dreams come true.

On 29 July 2009, I was amazed at the huge, elegant terrace overlooking the Miroir d’Argentine (see Breathtaking View: Miroir d’Argentine) that he put up with his own hands in the matter of a couple of weeks. Since then, he has added a large wine cellar, so they can start building up a fine selection of wines from all over the world, and this winter, structures resembling something between an igloo and a Bedouin tent on the terrace, where you can eat fondue and raclette, along with other traditional Swiss specialties. (Don’t worry. They’re heated!)

Eating in the igloos is an amazingly beautiful and a magical experience! And the addition of the igloos, just one more proof of Jewell’s incredible talent and ingenuity. What lies in store for us next?